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Sky Sox get 8 shutout innings from Juan Nicasio in 5-0 win over Reno

The Famous San Diego Chicken put on such a good show it would be forgivable if some fans didn't fully appreciate a strong outing by Colorado Springs starter Juan Nicasio.

Catcher Lars Davis did and he enjoyed it.

"Whenever a pitcher is sharp like that, it is always fun to catch and see it from behind the plate," Davis said. "He had all three of his pitches going and he got outs when he needed them."

Nicasio threw eight shutout innings and did not allow a hit after the fourth in a 5-0 win over Reno before 7,550 fans at Security Service Field on Friday. He threw 104 pitches (68 strikes), struck out six, walked none and recorded 12 outs in a row to close out his night.

"You couldn't ask for much more from your starter," shortstop Charlie Culberson said.

Aces starter Diogenes Rosario shook off a tough second inning for an impressive Triple-A debut. He allowed only one hit in innings 4-6 before leaving (93 pitches, 59 strikes) following a four-pitch walk to start the seventh.

His strong performance was critical to keeping the game close. But two wild pitches in the second inning proved to be his undoing.

Sky Sox first baseman Ben Paulsen drilled a line drive off the bottom of the right-center field fence to score Ryan Wheeler. The All-Star third baseman earlier recorded a hit for his 11th game in a row and moved to scoring position off the first wild pitch.

Seven throws later, including a wild pitch, Greg Golson made it 2-0 on an RBI single.

Back-to-back doubles by Tim Wheeler and Charlie Blackmon made it 3-0 in the bottom of the third.

That 3-0 lead proved enough for Nicasio and reliever Jeff Manship against the Aces (35-54).

But typical of a good hitting team shaking off a five-game losing streak, the Sky Sox scored twice with two outs in the eighth for the final margin.

"That shows we were ready to play tonight," Culberson said. "Hopefully that can carry over to tomorrow (Saturday) night as well."

"The guys got it done on offense," Davis added.

Notes

The Sky Sox added right-hander Collin McHugh, 25, from Double-A Tulsa. He joined the organization after being traded by the Mets for Rockies outfielder Eric Young Jr. . Rosario started the season with the Visalia Rawhide of the Single-A Advanced California League. . Righty Mark Serrano transferred from Double-A Mobile and is scheduled to start Saturday against Chris Volstad after Reno starter Zeke Spruill went on the disabled list.